After struggling with setup issues through Australian Grand Prix practice, Max Verstappen was surprised by his Red Bull car's performance on Saturday as the Formula One defending champion took third place in qualifying for the season-opening race.

Max Verstappen has admitted that Red Bull's grip issues will be "hard to fix" at the Australian Grand Prix as the reigning four-time world champion prepares for a difficult opening weekend of the season.

Formula One defending champion Max Verstappen downplayed Red Bull's chances at Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, saying the car is slower than their rivals and still working through some issues.

After struggling with setup issues through Australian Grand Prix practice, Max Verstappen was surprised by his Red Bull car's performance on Saturday as the Formula 1 defending champion took third place in qualifying for the season-opening race.

It was a mixed bag of a curtain raiser for Red Bull Racing as Max Verstappen just missed out on victory in the Australian Grand Prix, while debutant Liam Lawson crashed out. Reigning world champion Verstappen was trapped between McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for much of the opening stint in wet conditions in Melbourne,

In the end, Max Verstappen just missed out on winning the Australian GP behind Lando Norris, after the safety car caused by Fernando Alonso neutralised the race. Aftewards, Red Bull team principal was happy with Max Verstappen's performance in the rain.

Elevated into the lead when McLaren’s “panic” had both drivers pitting, Max Verstappen says Red Bull had to “gamble” as it was their best chance to win the Australian Grand Prix. Lining up on a sodden Albert Park grid in third place behind an all-McLaren front row,